As longtime users of Dr. Bronner’s castile soap and coconut oil lovers, we agreed to try a sample and have been ultra pleased with the results.

First of all, we love that the directions say: “can be used for stir-frying, baking and body care.”

And second, we love the way it adds a nutty taste to toast, popcorn, homemade granola and roasted sweet potato cubes.

Recent studies of coconut oil have exonerated this saturated fat, which had gained a bad reputation mostly because it had been only in an unhealthy partially hydrogenated (trans fatty) form. But new research on the unrefined, virgin variety of coconut oil finds that it is full of lauric acid, which scientists consider neutral to beneficial to healthy.

The oil is picking up a burgeoning fan base for the lovely flavors it lends to baked goods and sautéed foods, but a growing number of people (like Dr. Mehmet Oz) are also touting its healing and moisturizing properties for body care.

I was a little hesitant to smear a baking product on my face and arms, but so far so good. Although the oil does take some time to absorb, it leaves a nice sheen, wonderful smell and soft feel. I admit I was worried it might cause breakouts on my face, but during the week I’ve tried it, I’ve not seen any problems.

With the vast majority of ingredients in personal-care products never undergoing premarket safety reviews, some have advised avoiding any personal-care product that aren't safe enough to eat. Sophia Loren, who often touted extra virgin olive oil as her skin care secret, certainly subscribed to this practice.

The company said that when it ventured into this area it had a hard time sourcing organic, fairly traded coconuts, so it started its own operation in Serendipol, Sri Lanka. There, the company says, it employs family farmers to grow organic coconuts for fair wages and using environmentally responsible methods that re-enrich the soil.